Philippine television’s grandest and most intensive search for the next big stars begins this July 30 as TV5 premieres Artista Academy, the only reality-based talent competition offering real artista training in a legitimate school of television arts.

Sixteen candidates aged 16-22 will battle it out for P20 M worth of total prizes and the prestige of being hailed as Artista Academy’s Best Actor and Best Actress.

Hosted by seasoned actors Cesar Montano and Marvin Agustin, Artista Academy will share with viewers the real journey of 16 showbiz aspirants. They will undergo extensive curriculum-based training at the Asian Academy of Television Arts (AATA) to become certified professional actors equipped with the acting versatility and right attitude to make names for themselves in showbiz.

The highly successful one-time grand auditions last June 19 saw a crowd of over 13,000 packing the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Artista Academy had to conduct rigorous screening in choosing the 16 finalists who have what it takes to become TV5’s biggest new stars.

All 16 finalists who will be chosen as Artista Academy students will be granted full scholarship to the AATA and will undergo comprehensive training with the best minds in the industry. These include multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan, music master Louie Ocampo and dance guru Georcelle Dapat of G Force. They are also joined by other esteemed TV professionals and distinguished celebrities.

Artista Academy is directed by acclaimed film and TV director Mac Alejandre, who also heads the TV5 Talent Center. He will be working with well-known entertainment executive and AATA head Wilma Galvante.

Aside from the P20 Million-worth of total prizes to be won by the Artista Academy Best Actor and Best Actress, TV5 will also grant them lead roles in a forthcoming teleserye. Not only will they be armed with the right acting training from AATA to become the industry’s future stars, they will also be the richest of all winners in the Philippine talent search history.

“No other program has offered such school-based learning and development from a real academy of television arts. It will truly be a life-changing experience for not just one but two students. This is real fame, fortune, and stardom. This is as real as it can get,” said TV5 Creative and Entertainment Production Head Perci Intalan.

Hosts Cesar Montano and Marvin Agustin will be sharing the journey of the 16 Artista Academy students. As Live Exam Presenter, Cesar will be seen every Saturday as he hosts the show’s live performance night. Marvin will be the reality host who imparts the real drama behind each finalist every weeknight. Sitting in as Live Exam critics every Saturday night are Grand Slam Actress Lorna Tolentino and renowned actress-host Gelli De Belen.

Check out our coverage of TV5’s Artista Academy.